Move it Mama - The Sparkle Pod

It's probably just as well that we're a week out from school holidays so we can stop discussing the conflicted ins and outs of parenting and specifically lunch boxes! We kick off - kind of by accident - talking/moaning about school lunches and the associated politics. No doubt we'll be back on this chat in a few weeks' time (we're definitely predictable like that). From there, the hot cross bun dilemma, accents, kids, phones and rules take up our energy. We then spend the back half of the podcast debriefing Dan and where he's at. Jess asks Leece some...

This felt a little odd! It's good to be back and TOGETHER nonetheless! Sat side by side, our mouths only inches away from each other after a coffee (gross?) this was equal parts odd and awesome to do LOL! In this episode we get ourselves well back on the waffle train rehashing a wonderful weekend together with quite a lot on. It has been so awesome and we have had many great moments connecting with people inside this community and beyond. It's always so, SO heart warming, reassuring and cup-filling to reconnect to the Move it Mama community in person...

A long intro awaits you on this episode when, for the first time in a long time, we bring a very exciting and very inspiring guest to the pod. When you listen to this weeks episode you will quickly learn how and why James is here with us today - we know you will find many words of wisdom in all that he has to say. We loved this chat so much and though we're kicking ourselves that Leece's mic wasn't on, we are INSPIRED after this and know you will be, too. Firstly, we talk about what moved James...

Let us preface from the outset that Leece has no microphone today and both of us are coming from tinny sounding office rooms, so, please bear with us. From next week Leece should have a new mic and we'll start bringing our coat hangers and coats in to soften the sound (if we can lol). We actually had a strategic phone call before recording that was meant to be a kind of 'pre-pod vent' - a way to get the negativity off the chest before recording so that we could give out only positive vibes. Well, plans can change, can't...

Today’s episode is, as per, a full life debrief. The tech is annoying - we have patches of Leece's mic going in and out - sorry, but as promised we'll fix this and be more professional (!). We talk to the mum spirals, the parenting wins, and everything in between. We chat about Louis and his cruiser bike era, Rico's school camp and the emotional rollercoaster of letting your kids choose their own friends (how hard is this?). Leece gives us the update on getting an office and we unpack the weekend — including Dan taking the kids out solo which felt...

This week, we begin in the trenches a bit. We chat about life feeling really HARD and how unhelpful it is when you open social media and everyone else looks like every aspect of their life is perfect. Comparison is alive and well - even though we know it's a thief. Life is really hard for many different reasons and so this is where we begin. The mood softens a little as we unpack the teen years (although, send help) - vaping, drinking, eye rolls and the slow release of control in parenting kids who now think they know everything...

Kia ora! Back for another round of a one hour plus waffle train you just can't help but sink your ears into. Is that what they say? Lol. As always, we end up having a good moan about the kids - particularly the teen phase and the circus it currently is for Leece. Phones on downtime, sniffing undies, sleepover negotiations, and the eternal challenge of being on the same page as your partner - it’s all on. We then dive into the nitty gritty - Valentines Day and associated musings, the game Fishbowl (sounds like a good time), supplements an...

Welcome back to the podcast and 'appy Mondee. We're here gas-bagging about all sorts - from what we're wearing to social media, teens and school, grief, camping, family moments and memories and more. Honestly where does the time go? It felt like we were talking for about 15 minutes but here we are again with another 1 hour+ episode. It's been a heavy week for Leece, which we actually don't dive into much at all (you'll likely know if you've worked out with her), but we otherwise have lots of chat around teenagers; what's going on for Leece in that respect...

Kia ora and 'appy Monday! Here we go again - back to regular Monday morning programming! Between us, we went into this podcast in a bit of a mood - Leece when at a certain stage of her cycle finds it hard to articulate, and both of us thrown a little by some feedback - but together we pull finger and find some momentum (shock, horror). A LOT of kid/teen chat in here today but highly topical for many of you we're sure. We start with the latest in teenager angst and drama and kids returning to school, move...

A cosy, chaotic catch-up we didn't really plan - but we leapt at the opportunity. We weren’t meant to be back behind the mic until next week, but the stars aligned with Jess and Char in the same place at the same time. Leece shares a bit about trusting her gut and leaning into her intuition, which quickly spirals into a very enthusiastic chat about Heated Rivalry (the show, the book and the gay sex). We also touch on a local Waikato hill climb with a mildly competitive edge (and further spiraling lol), what’s bringing us genuine joy righ...

HELLO!! Happy 2026! We hope this year is bright, healthy, and full of joy for all of us. Leece had a fun idea yesterday - a little bonus holiday episode before we officially kick off our regular programming on February 2nd. The plan for today was simple: talk only about the things that bring us joy and start the podcasting year with positive vibes only... but as mornings go, the mood had other ideas lol. So we start by reflecting on that, and then, naturally, we find our way back to joy. The moral? Sometimes you have to go through a...

In true us fashion, we may have left it a little late to wrangle the full crew for our final pod of the year; so today it’s just the four of us: Leece and Jess, plus our sisters Char and Kirst (with Kirst being the honourary sister who is basically an actual sister). We took a few questions that came through on the ’gram and let them lead the chat, which means this episode is a bit of everything - the fun, the real, and the reflective. We kick things off talking about something we’re proud of from this y...

How to write this summary? It feels POIGNANT to make it memorable (though do you even read these? We'll never know). Perhaps one of our shortest episodes to date - due to the fact it's APP LAUNCH DAY (aka Coronation Day lol!). Thank you SO MUCH for your support, encouragement and love around the app. We have felt it and we are so grateful! It's been a heck of a time and will continue to be as we make the biggest upgrade ever to the Move it Mama platform. If you get into the app (or even if you don't...

Buckle up, babes. Today’s episode is a bit of a journey. We kick things off with your gift ideas from the ’gram; a few ideas for the potential partner in your life. We then dive into the difficult world of ungrateful kids and the ongoing teen/alcohol saga. Somehow we question whether a face lift via stitches is possible (unlikely), and then take a sharp turn into some heavy and hard emotional corners of life that many of us/you are navigating right now. We acknowledge - we’re in a mood. Stick with us - we do eventually land o...

Welcome back to our sparkly pod, where today’s episode is a bit of a chaotic fever dream in podcast form. We start with coffee - sorry - but apparently we are predictable and basic (self-proclaimed). From there we dive into kid nightmares and the potential need for therapy, and somehow then end up talking about dogs and their gross quirks. Anal glands, not wiping their bums... flies (not sure how we got there). We bounce through TV chat - Stranger Things, Wayward, and whatever else we’re half-watching while the other one falls asleep - and then land smack bang...

This week on the pod, Leece surprises us all (!) with her newfound love for Taylor Swift — especially the new album she cannot stop playing. Sorry in advance to those of you who find this chat polarising lol. We then chat about talking to the kids about periods and why their awareness matters more than ever. There’s a considerable app update here too - a bit of an update on how the build is going and where it's at, what’s happening behind the scenes, and when you can expect the brand-new Move It Mama app in your hot little sparkl...

It's been a while! As per usual we took notes during our conversation today, to help us accurately write this description. Despite the fact we did this, today's episode feels all over the show and therefore too difficult to articulate lol. Instead, here's what chat gpt told us to write (otherwise, just press play 'cos does anyone even read these anyway?!): "We dive into a full debrief of Jess's whirlwind trip — family time, wild moments, big feelings, and a little peek into the political landscape she walked back into. Meanwhile, Leece shares her highly unnecessary but deeply appreciated period Hello Di...

Thank you for your patience and understanding with our MIA week last week. It's been a hot minute and an exciting one at that! Right now it simultaneously feels like there's a lot to catch up on today but that we also don't cover enough! This week we're riding the high of our mini app launch, which is mostly why we missed last weeks episode. We take a bit of a dive into the Christchurch event and the amazing support from our developer, reflect on the power of connection in relationships, and Leece opens up a bit about life’s st...

Hello pals - full disclosure before we hit record this time around we were two little flat pancakes so it might sound as though it takes us a bit to get excited. Not that any excitement is really that necessary as, if you're a regular sparkle pod listener, you'll know the drill - we get what we get around here. BUT - it's Leece's bodysuit cutting the vag story from a few months back that kicks things off - and while that story could sound kinda funny it really does just sound very painful. We were inspired to talk to...

Leece starts the show by having a laugh with Michael McIntyre and has put the call out for recommendations on funny comedians to watch. We want to add to the list of those we need to laugh with - any ideas? It is interesting isn't it, how we can be very similar as people but also just not find the same comedians funny!? We're all wired differently in this life and it's likely just as well. From there Leece takes a bit of a deep dive into relationships and what it takes to put in the work. She opens up...

Hello! Our apologies for being a day late to the podcast this week. We share quite a lot on this podcast (as you're aware), but after a pre-listen yesterday we became a little reluctant to share what we had recorded. As Leece goes on to say, this podcast is a fine balance of sharing what we want to share (and believing in the value of doing so), while also being mindful of those close to us, who might be impacted and so on. Hence, here we are for our second recording of the week while yesterdays episode remains unpublished. Don't...

Hello! We had a few questions come through on our social media channels this week, so a lot of todays chat centres on these. But first, a little bit of an intro into Leece's rogue 'lemon' share on Instagram stories last week (IYKYK) and why Jess is currently suffering a niggly trifecta. We move on to answering your questions all about: Leece's upcoming vericose vein surgery, book recommendations when it comes to raising boys (as well as general recs), sunscreen and bikini recommendations, "WTF is for dinner" (we think this segment has legs), Nina's recent operation (adenoids surgery seems topical...

Hello! A few days late but better late than never huh! We're a little short on sleep today and subsequently lack a little pizazz, but it's good to be back. In todays episode we have a few things to chat through, including societal expectations, our Sydney weekend highs and lows - (including the difficulty of returning home after such events) - and discussing drugs with your kids (when asked). We know everyone is different in this world and will be playing their cards in their own way, too. In the end we know we're all just doing the best we...

This episode has been a long, long time in the making. Natalia joined the Move it Mama team delivering workouts in around October 2024. You guys have LOVED her - just as we do, and exactly as we knew you would. Natalia brings a warmth and an energy to her workouts like no other, and we are so stoked she's now part of our team. We think you will love this episode - Natalia tells a great story. From life growing up in Christchurch, to settling down with her partner Booker and how they came to meet, travelling the world together...

Just so many epiphanies! We felt a little ripped for time today with a tight turnaround to get the pod done. Lucky for us we're recording again with a special guest tomorrow so more chat can be had haha. The morning coffee antics of the mother in law to Jess's matcha epiphany, current thoughts around life and living with physical limitations, parenting kids; in particular parenting each child differently based on the fact they're all different! To Love is Blind, thoughts around The Biggest Loser and the world we live in, reading books in accents and more. Love you guys...

Hello! We have had many requests for team appearances on the podcast and tonight we deliver. Many of you will know Kirst and possibly workout with her every week. You may subsequently have watched from a distance as she and her family uplifted their lives in Auckland and relocated to Sydney earlier this year. You had questions (and so do we)! So in today's bonus episode, we sit down to talk to Kirst about all sorts - mostly about life in Australia and the details of the move, but also the usual waffle you've come to expect - initiating and...

Sorry, mum. Admittedly the first part of this is quite shambolic. We've figured it out though. Leece asks the questions that Jess doesn't reeeeally have the answers to, and so what then happens is you listen to inaccurate information (LOL). We do our best don't we and as we say, we play to our strengths. Chatting WAFFLE is one of them - perhaps less so is chatting actual FACTS. On conclusion of the episode we establish that our thoughts are not in fact, facts, and I mean, that certainly sums it up. From Sinagpore to Bali and some disgraceful geographical...

Hello pals! A little here, there and everywhere today. To begin todays episode Leece reads out a DM about the podcast - honestly feedback just means so much to us (not just positive feedback either we promise lol). It's SO cool to hear from our listeners and know how much you enjoy tuning in each week, so thank you. As we discuss, the podcast has evolved somewhat in the last 18 months and although it's changed, you're still here and in fact more and more of you are here with every passing week. We're so grateful. Today we flit and float...

Hello friends, your top 5, chart topping health and fitness podcast is back for another week (lol). The Sparkle Pod, a hugely informative resource across the essential and key current affairs, such as, the only (right) way to have your coffee. delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMs) and how to get your a into g when it comes to exercise (spoiler - there is no easy answer). Jokes aside, we received a lovely email from a long-standing member who isn't regularly exercising. The enquiry prompted us to open up the chat about getting started with regular exercise. We hope our answer...

Hello! We're trying something a little different today and in doing so, manifest a perfect life lol. We feel we've done nothing other than moan on here of late so made an off the cuff effort to flip the script - we think we did a pretty good job! In today's episode we mull over a bit of everything - for a start about our lives being *perfect*, then onto coffee and all its conundrums, until Jess poses a question on teacher etiquette. This leads into some more chat around our kids and current tribulations, perspective when it comes to...

A few mic issues at the start of this one, but don't let that put you off - it's just a few minutes of Leece sounding as though she's talking through a drain pipe, but it's short lived. In other news: DOESN'T TIME JUST GO SO FAST?! We know we bang on about it all the bloody time but seriously, as you get older, how quickly does life go?! Wild. We're otherwise straight into a big old debrief today - we start with how Leece has been feeling in which she opens up quite a bit - and gets quite...

Welcome to the Move it Mama podcast, aka Our Therapy Pod. We very much look forward to our Monday debrief covering all things that spring to mind, and after the weeks that pass, we always feel in need of the solid vent. In today's episode, true to form, we're here there and everywhere. We talk about the weekend that was, therapy and having feelings validated (love this for us), two kids being a walk in the park (according to Lisa only) laser hair removal and thoughts on hair, a LONG AWAITED KEEP CUP UPDATE (lol), an impending trip to Christchurch...

From chicken breast vs chicken thighs, the challenges of kids and life just all 'round being hard - we're back. It's a tough ass world out there at the minute - for a lot of people - and we're feeling it today. Despite the semi-negativity we might have projected in this episode, we're very excited to be back to our very therapeutic waffle of a podcast. Despite our moaning, please know we're so grateful to you, our community, for your DMs, silent (or loud) support, camaraderie and engagement (in case this isn't obvious). We're a little all over the shop...

Whenever or if ever Leece mentions being sober/giving up alcohol, she is sent a message of some sort. It's typically something like "gosh you're inspiring - the way you have done this - I'd love to", or "I'm what you call 'sober curious', but I don't know how to do it", and these messages often come with a variety of questions. Last week, Leece was sent one message in particular that held quite a few questions, and we decided it might be useful to approach it in its own podcast episode. So while Leece attempts to talk to these...

Hello! Kelly (Founder of Augustine by Kelly Coe) has been listening to the podcast and we decided she should join us for our weekly waffle pod Monday. We think she does what you guys do which is yell and curse and agree and disagree with us from your own abodes, so here she is to make us shook. FUN!! We offer basically zero business chat today - as perhaps you'd expect with our special guest - but instead we're covering off super important topics such as (but not limited to) - other podcast and book recommendations, LIVE music, sport, holidays...

Everyone has a story - we hear this everywhere. We're reminded with emotional Instagram posts and the constant stream of such themes, really across all social media platforms. We're reminded not to judge, because everyone has a story. Although we're reminded every day it can sometimes be easy to fall into the trap of thinking other people lead perfect lives. Social media being one end of the spectrum of this and on the other hand, the made up stories and plots we read about in novels. Do we need to be more mindful about what we consume across the board...

Leece is short on sleep but we're both quite happy to be house bound to the microphones today, to debrief the weekends antics. Excuse the fact Jess's mic isn't on for the first little bit but we rectify that. From the prospect of burnout and how to avoid it (tips welcome) to kids sending us mad, the relentless of kids sport, full weekends and other such chat. Jess is tired of clumsy kids who bite their fingers and Leece is busy taking toasted sandwich orders and breaking up headlocks. We moan a lot while on this tangent but we're sure...

Here there and everywhere on this Kings Birthday Monday - welcome back to your sparkly (ish) poddy. Literally a second before we hit record we said, "have you got anything to talk about" - and while the collective answer was no, here we are hehe. Accents and names, ants in the house, the weekends events, Leece and her official love status on Marley (Nana's dog), ballet flats, overanalysing all conversations and naturally, a segment on kids. We also spend the back half reflecting on Dan a bit and talking about the current little wins. Also, on the topic of kids...

Hello, Leece has her keep cup with her this morning, set up and rearing to go for coffee with her 'gal pal'. Are we divisive? Do any of you actually have any thoughts on coffee etiquette to the extent we do, or are we full of absolute shite and just ridiculous (like mum says after each pod episode)? Genuine question lol. So we start with coffee and alcohol, and quickly get into parenting where we pretty much stay for the duration of the pod. What can we say, it's the *era* we're in. From peer pressure when it comes to...

Every so often, we hit a few walls and can't find a funny bone in our body - not that we're here to be funny but we do always love to have a lol. This episode isn't at all full of them all, so consider yourself warned. We're here there and everywhere, which isn't unusual either, is it? From the never-ending state of overwhelm to the general state of the Fong garage, to the teen, his phone and lunch boxes, cooking chat, The Liver King, and the confusion and difficulty that we feel can come from the very *overwhelming* (there's...